NMA concerned about shortage of medicine

Kathmandu, November 7

Nepal Medical Association, a professional organisation of doctors in Nepal, today expressed serious concern about shortage of medicine due to continued obstruction at border points.

“Hospitals are facing a difficult time. It is a matter of concern that the fuel crisis has had an adverse effects on the health sector,” said a press statement issued by NMA.

“The fuel crisis has resulted in shortage of life-saving medicines across the country. It is unfortunate that health institutions have been compelled to ration available medicines to cope with the shortage,” it added.

NMA has urged the government and the agitating parties find a solution to the current crisis through dialogue.

Meanwhile, a task-force formed by the government has decided to give priority to health institutions while distributing fuel.

The task-force led by Balkrishna Khakurel, director general of the Department of Drug Administration, said immediate efforts would be made to make medicines available to health institutions.

Medicines worth tens of millions of rupees have been stranded on the Nepal-India borders due to the ongoing Madhes agitation. In addition, the resultant fuel crisis has made it difficult for the authorities to supply essential medicines across the country.

Patients have not been able to visit hospitals due to fuel shortage. As a result, number of patients visiting hospitals has declined significantly.